In 1939, in contrast with the Southampton Tercentenary Pageant (300th anniversary) to be held the following summer, a historical pageant was performed on the Shinnecock Reservation. Before European settlers arrived on Long Island, there were 13 tribes: the Canarsie, Rockaway, Merrick, Massapequa, Matinecock, Nissaquogue, Setauket, Corchaug, Secatogue, Unkechaug, Montaukett, Manhanset, and the Shinnecock. By 1939, the Shinnecock and Unkechaug were the only tribal nations that retained land bases as Indian Reservations, while descendants of other tribal communities remained throughout Long Island and beyond. While Southampton’s pageant celebrated the establishment of European settlements on Long Island and the life that followed, the Shinnecock’s performance honored their native history before contact with settlers and critical events in their tribe’s story.
Split into six episodes, the first episode of the pageant depicted the way of life before settlers arrived in 1640. The second episode showed the English landing at Conscience Point in 1940 and purchasing of land from the natives for 16 coats and three score bushels of corn. The third episode tells the story of the first Presbyterian missionary to the Shinnecocks, Rev. Azariah Horton, and episode four shows the work of the first schoolmaster, Rev. Samson Occom. The fifth episode tells the story of Rev. Paul Cuffee, a Shinnecock Christian minister. Finally, episode six tells the tragic story of the sinking of the Circassian in 1876, where ten Shinnecock men lost their lives.
The pageant took place at 3:30 p.m. on July 2, 1939. Adults paid 50¢ for entrance and 25¢ for children. The photograph above depicts spectators in the foreground, and Shinnecock actors dressed in traditional clothing, ready to begin their performance.
This photo depicts the second episode of the pageant. It is unclear whether this photo represents the first meeting between the Native Americans and European settlers or the subsequent land negotiation.
Finally, this group photo depicts Lois Hunter (a.k.a. Princess Nowedonah), Charles Bunn, Dorothy Newell (front), Alice Bunn Martine (back), Marjorie Martine Siklos, and Vera Wise. The woman second from the right is unnamed.
Lois Hunter participated in the pageant and was a teacher, lecturer, and Historian of the Tribe. Another key figure in the photograph depicted wearing a feathered headdress, Charles Bunn was a skilled duck decoy maker and Shinnecock guide. Bunn was renowned on Long Island, and people constantly sought out his guidance for wildfowl hunts.
The 1939 Shinnecock pageant provided a straightforward narrative of the tribe’s history, culture, and resilience. Unlike the Southampton Tercentenary Pageant that celebrated European settlement, the Shinnecock’s performance asserted their own story, emphasizing a long history predating colonial arrival. Through each episode, the Shinnecock underscored pivotal moments in their past, from early exchanges with settlers to community losses. At the same time, the participation of leaders like Lois Hunter and Charles Bunn highlighted their role in preserving Shinnecock heritage. This event was more than a historical reenactment—it was a statement of survival and an assertion of the Shinnecock’s place on Long Island.
For more information about members of the Shinnecock nation shown in the photographs, https://shinnecockportraits.com/ is a beautiful resource.
Thank you Jeremy Dennis for your contributions.
Comments